A year after deadly quake, China grows amidst pains and hope

Source: Xinhua | 05-12-2009 11:12

by Xinhua Writer Cheng Yunjie

CHENGDU, May 12 (Xinhua) -- One year after the deadly May 12 earthquake killed nearly 70,000 Chinese and injured more than 370,000, quake survivors find themselves still struggling to recover as the rebuilding campaign continues.

Many of them know they should come out of their shell, let go the past pains and move on. But their hearts refuse.

In Donghekou Earthquake Relic Park of the worst-hit Qingchuan County in Sichuan, He Xiantong has resided in a nearby barrack for a year, selling chrysanthemums to visitors who are there to mourn families or friends.

He chose to live this way to remember his beloved wife whose body was buried underneath the park and to provide for his son.

"I know she (his wife) wants us to live a good life. But it really takes me time to come out of the sad memories," he said.

To commemorate the deceased on the first anniversary of the deadly calamity, the Chinese government on Sunday opened up the quake-leveled Beichuan county seat on Sunday.

Some 21,000 people or two-thirds of the county seat's population were dead or missing there. Tears poured as mourners brought flowers, incense and candles and set off firecrackers in the ruins of former bus stations, county government buildings and homes.